For Titans' Success in 2023, It All Comes Down to the Offensive Line

The Tennessee Titans' roster is set and after an offseason of shakeups, the success or failure of this year's team comes down to the remodeled offensive line.

The Tennessee Titans made massive change up and down the organization this offseason from the front office to the coaching staff to the roster. Now with everything in place for the start of the regular season, the reality is the success of the team will fall on the shoulders of the offensive line.

The Titans' defense looks to be what most expected, a tough group with talent at all three levels.

The Titans added a ball-disruptive corner in Sean Murphy-Bunting to help the secondary, a veteran leader at linebacker in Azeez Al-Shaair and an edge rusher ready to breakout in Arden Key. They added to each level to enhance an already productive group.

On offense, the addition of DeAndre Hopkins speaks for itself. It turned the Titans' weakest position group into a possible strength. Hopkins had 75 receiving yards a game last year which is a 1,000-yard receiver pace. If Hopkins can be that for the Titans, it legitimizes the pass catchers in a way that could turn them into a strength on this roster.

The Titans added rookie running back Tyjae Spears in the third round of the NFL draft. Finally the Titans have a back who can not only complement Derrick Henry as a pass catcher out of the backfield, but someone who is an explosive runner in their own right. This could add explosiveness and keep Henry fresh towards the end of the year.

Tannehill is now healthy as the starting quarterback with a new offensive coordinator. Last year's offensive coordinator Todd Downing was fired, rightfully so. The Titans scored the fifth-fewest points per game in the NFL last year. 

Tim Kelly was promoted to the role of offensive coordinator and brought an entirely new offensive scheme with all new terminology. Tannehill, as a veteran, certainly has it mastered at this stage of the process and that gives the Titans a great advantage.

There is also depth at the quarterback position. Malik Willis and Will Levis may be unproven, but they both are fighting to be the starter in 2024, if that is going to happen, they at least give you a shot to win games in 2023, if called into duty.

With the defense, the coaching, the pass catchers and the depth at quarterback and running back improved, it all comes down to whether the offensive line and their new additions are improvements.

The Titans will have four new starters on the offensive line when they kickoff against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The only returner is Aaron Brewer and Brewer will be switching from guard to center. A smart move considering Brewer is one of the smallest offensive lineman in the NFL, but still a position change nonetheless.

Andre Dillard at left tackle is a risk after the 2019 first-rounder never found a starting spot on the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line. Right guard Daniel Brunskill was also in and out of the starting lineup with his former team, the San Francisco 49ers. These are low-cost options, not certain homeruns.

The biggest concern might be Chris Hubbard, who hasn't been a starter since 2019. If Hubbard is incapable of being a starting-level tackle, which he hasn't been in nearly four calendar years, the Titans offense can be inoperable.

The final of the fives pieces is rookie Peter Skoronski, who despite being a rookie, might be the Titans' best offensive lineman from day one. He will need to be the anchor of the group for this offensive line to do what it needs to.

The pieces are all set on the board and the Titans have done well to improve at nearly every spot, but the mystery of the offensive line's improvement and the subsequent answer will likely be the pivot on which the Titans' success in 2023 rotates on. 

Titans Roster Related Stories

• TITANS TRADE FOR FOLK: The Tennessee Titans will reportedly be adding kicker Nick Folk after making a trade with the Patriots on Tuesday. CLICK HERE
• FIVE UDFA ROOKIES ON 53: The Tennessee Titans have given a roster spot to five undrafted rookies in Caleb Murphy, Anthony Kendall, Matthew Jackson, Otis Reese Jr. and Kearis Jackson according to multiple reports. CLICK HERE
• TITANS ROSTER SET: The Tennessee Titans have set their initial 53-man roster for the regular season as they prepare for Week 1. CLICK HERE
• TITANS CLAIM VILDOR: The Tennessee Titans made their first move after setting their initial roster on Tuesday when they claimed former Bears cornerback Kindle Vildor off waivers on Wednesday. CLICK HERE